Step 1: Define Your Goals and Budget
Clarify your purpose: personal residence, rental investment, or pre-construction acquisition. As of 2026, exchange rates hover around 4,000–4,200 COP per USD. A COP 1,000,000,000 property is roughly $240,000–$250,000 USD.
Step 2: Engage a Licensed Agent
While not legally mandatory, working with a qualified real estate professional is essential for navigating language barriers, identifying red flags, and accessing unlisted inventory. StellarView Realty specializes in expat and foreign investor clients.
Step 3: Property Search
Popular expat neighborhoods: El Poblado, Laureles, Envigado, and Sabaneta. Remote video tours are available for international clients who have not yet arrived in Colombia.
Step 4: Promesa de Compraventa (Purchase Promise)
A legally binding contract outlining price, payment terms, and timeline. A good-faith deposit of typically 10% of purchase price is paid and applied at closing.
Step 5: Title Study (Estudio de Títulos)
A licensed attorney reviews the property’s history in the public registry going back at least 10 years, confirming no liens, mortgages, disputes, or encumbrances. Cost: $300–$500 USD.
Step 6: Closing (Escritura Pública)
The public deed is signed before a Colombian Notary. Notary fees are regulated by government at approximately 0.27% of the purchase price per party.
Step 7: Registration
The deed registers with the Public Registry Office, legally transferring ownership. Registration fees run approximately 1% of purchase price. You receive a Certificado de Tradición y Libertad — your proof of ownership.
Step 8: Fund Transfer Protocols
Foreign buyers declare inbound funds through Declaración de Cambio (Form 4) to the Colombian Central Bank. This declaration is essential for future repatriation of proceeds.
Timeline Summary
- Property search: 1–4 weeks
- Promesa signing: days after agreement
- Title study: 5–10 business days
- Closing: 30–60 days after Promesa
- Registration: 5–15 business days after closing
Can You Buy Remotely?
Yes. Remote purchases are fully feasible using a power-of-attorney arrangement. Your attorney and StellarView Realty coordinate the entire process on your behalf.
Start the process with a free consultation from StellarView Realty.